While the two men had received other awards earlier in the night, the Leavenworth County Officer of the Year Award came as a surprise to Ortega and Doud.

"It feels good to be appreciated," Ortega said.

Originally from San Antonio, he has been stationed at Fort Leavenworth for three years. He was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months.

In late February, Ortega was wounded during an ambush by enemy insurgents in Afghanistan. He left a covered position to help another wounded soldier, said Jeffrey McGowen, director of Fort Leavenworth's Directorate of Emergency Services.

Ortega also was honored Monday with a Police Valor Commendation and recognized as Officer of the Year for the Directorate of Emergency Services.

Doud was recognized for two major drug investigations in 2013.

Dedeke said one case resulted in a defendant receiving a prison sentence of more than 18 years.

"It's an honor," Doud said of the award.

Doud has been with the Sheriff's Office since 2006. He previously worked for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Doud also received a Merit Award for Excellent Arrest and Certificate of Achievement

in Criminal Investigation during Monday's ceremony.

Participating law enforcement agencies had the opportunity to honor their own officers of the year.

Officer Robin Mock was honored as Officer of the Year for the Lansing Police Department.